Directive Studios Blogs

Supporting 4K resolution at 30fps, we couldn't resist the new GoPro Hero 5 Black. We have always been satisfied the with quality and durability GoPro products have to offer. This being their first camera that is completely waterproof without housing, we're excited to put this thing to the test. Voice control, video stabilization, touch screen display, and 12MP photos with different modes including time lapse, we couldn't think of a reason not to have it!  B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1274419-REG/gopro_chdhx_501_hero5_black.html

Because we like our exposure to be precise, we decided to upgrade our light meter to the Sekonic L-758CINE-U DigitalMaster. With a range of cine and video settings we can now make sure our lights are exactly where they should be. One of the huge benefits this meter provides, is it's ability to match the dynamic range to our specific camera, which can be a huge difference with the outcome of our video. With an ISO range of 3 to 8,000 in 1/3 steps and 17 other custom settings, we no longer have to guess how our camera will read the light. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1219222-REG/sekonic_401_761_l_758cine_u_digitalmaster_light_meter.html

The DJI Osmo FlexiMic allows us to easily capture audio on the go. We use the DJI Osmo when we need a quick solution to capturing video and stills. Now that we can have a mic recording the audio, we can easily make a quick video on the fly. Of course, we wouldn't use this as our primary mic on set, but we now have the opportunity to have another back up mic for b-roll footage. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1222067-REG/dji_cpzm000321_m_15_fleximic_for_osmo.html/pageID/accessory

This Big Balance Smartphone Mount Kit allows us to use our smart phone as a camera remote without hassle. We all know that photos and videos take a lot of equipment to make a production happen. Being to use your smartphone as a remote frees up your hand so you can focus on capturing the footage. This mount holds your phone right next to the camera while it displays exactly what the camera sees. It's easy to adjust exposure without even touching the camera. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1180377-REG/big_balance_bbsmk_ga13_smartphone_mount_kit.html

GoPro has become a huge name in the video industry. The fact you can place and mount the small camera anywhere has made it a tool any filmmaker should have. By adding this G4S 3-Axis gimbal to our inventory, we can now run or walk with our GoPro and still get smooth footage. The 360° Rotation axes are controlled by it's 4-direction control stick, so the angles are basically endless. We are now able to use our GoPro Hero 4 Camera on the ground as well as on our drone. There is no limit for our GoPro, and we have now extended our options with this Handheld Gimbal.  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1188097-REG/feiyu_fy_g4s_g4s_3_axis_handheld_gimbal.html

This Telescoping Extension Bar that mounts to the bottom of our GH4 3-Axis Gimbal is a great little tool to get more out of your gimbal. By mounting the gimbal to this extension bar, we can now reach new angles and new heights for footage and selfies. From 8 inches to 28 inches, it can easily be stored away and brought to any location. B&H Link:http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1188103-REG/feiyu_g4_fexb_extension_bar.html

For a drone or handheld gimbal, this DJI Zenmuse Camera can record in 4K and take 16MP photos. Not only is the resolution great for the size of this camera, it also has over 12 Stops of dynamic range which gives us more shadows and highlights to play with. The videos and stills can record to a micro SDHC/SDXC card that will make sure your footage stays nice and secure. From single shot and burst photos, to time-lapse and video modes, this DJI Zenmuse camera is a highly recommended choice!  B&H Link:https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1186060-REG/dji_x5l_camera_and_3_axis.html/prm/alsVwDtl

In the era of selfie sticks, we decided what's an Osmo without one. This DJI extension stick for the osmo is equipped with an articulation ball head, and of course the extendable design to give your Osmo the angle it hasn't had before. However, holding the Osmo out far enough can be nerve-wracking, the hand strap that comes on the extension stick will help secure the rig in your hand.   B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1188625-REG/dji_cp_zm_000227_extension_stick_for_osmo.html

Standing as tall as 68.6", and as short as 9.3", this tripod is exactly what every photographer needs. The 3 Legged tripod has a number of awesome features for it being so lightweight. The 360 degree ball head, reversible folding and removable legs, and other features really make this tripod stand out from the others. We highly suggest this for anyone who wants a tripod that is lightweight, durable, and doesn't take up much space when packed.  B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1244089-REG/3_legged_thing_albertkit_albert_carbon_fiber_travel.html

Lighting can really make or break a subject in a photo or video. With this small on camera LED light, we now have another light to put in our camera bag just incase. This light is made up of 8 LED diodes that have a 4 step dimming option to make sure our light is set just right. We don't suggest using this as your primary light source, but it definitely does the trick when you need a little extra lighting in front of the camera. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1137208-REG/manfrotto_mlumiemu_bk_lumie_muse_on_camera_led.html

Designed with improved dynamic balance and reduced vibration, we added these to our DJI drone. Now the propellers that come with any DJI are not bad, however we upgraded to the Z-blade design to make sure our drone has even better handling and balance. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1164701-REG/dji_cp_ep_000083_9450_self_tightening_propeller_for.html

This Gorillapod stand will help free your hands from your smartphone. This stand has over 24 leg joints that allows your to get the perfect position to hold your phone. Whether you want to use the camera on your phone to vlog, or have the screen work as a monitor, this gorillapod will help you get the job done. Holding smartphones between 2.7-3.9", it's an awesome tool to free up your hands on and off set. B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1062046-REG/joby_jb01325_griptight_gorillapod_stand_for.html

Because we get a lot of snow here in Upstate New York, this ND filter will help our osmo's exposure in really bright situations. This ND filter is best used for water reflections, snow, or even desert shots. The razor sharp clarity of the glass along with the light weight design really helped us decide which filter was best for our Osmo.  

Designed for Aerial Photography, these Polar Pro Filters are made for the DJI Zenmuse X5/X5R camera lens. This pack includes a UV, PL, and ND8 filter. We plan on using these for bright situations such as snow, water reflections, or even sunny day glares. We can now have more control over the camera's shutter speed which will give us more options when it comes to taking videos or photos. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1202882-REG/polar_pro_p6001_dji_phantom_2_vision.html

With the USB 3.0 technology this usb can hold 32GB worth of data. You can also manage your content right from your phone with the SanDisk Memory Zone app for Android, which allow you to access, store, and manage your files right from your phone.  B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1163527-REG/sandisk_sdddc_032g_g46_32gb_usb_type_c.html

Its important to make sure your gear can get from one place to another safely. This case is made just for our Osmo 4K camera and it's gimbal. Not only is it waterproof, but it also keeps all of the Osmo accessories nice and snug. We can fit our batteries, chargers, filters, and any other accessories we need all in one spot. If you plan on traveling with your Osmo, we suggest this case to keep your gear from getting the worst. B&H Link:https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1213692-REG/skb_3i_15106osmo_iseries_1510_6_waterproof_case.html

This DJI Universal mount is designed for the accessories you might have used for your DSLR. The cold shoe mount allows you to attach things like lights, microphones, or other gear right to the Osmo. A great attachment to be able to use lights and microphones on the fly. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1188630-REG/dji_cp_zm_000240_universal_mount_for_osmo.html

This simple and lightweight base allows us to set our Osmo down where we want to. A really simple design that does the trick while fitting snug to our Osmo. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1223978-REG/dji_cp_zm_000341_base_for_osmo_camera.html

Because we keep adding GoPro gear to our inventory, we decided to make sure everything is protected in one place. This Go Professional Case has enough room for all our cameras and accessories. It's watertight hard outer shell will keep our gear safe and sound while traveling from setting to setting.  B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1076347-REG/go_professional_cases_xb_306_studio_case_for_6.html

These are the gloves I use on cold shoots since every location is not going to be sunny and 75. These men's leather gloves are meant to keep your hands from freezing while still being able to access the buttons on your camera and accessories. With elastic wrist bands to keep the cold out, you don't have to worry about going out in low temperatures to get the shots you need. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/812017-REG/Freehands_41011MX_Men_s_Leather_Gloves_X_Large.html